David Beckham becomes Britain’s first billionaire sports icon with wife Victoria Beckham after Inter Miami success, inside couple’s updated combined net worth in 2026

Sir David Beckham has reached a historic financial milestone after becoming Britain’s first billionaire sports star as per the 2026 Sunday Times Rich List. The former Manchester United and England captain, alongside his wife Victoria Beckham, now holds an estimated combined fortune of £1.185 billion. Beckham’s rise has been powered by decades of global fame. It also includes major endorsement deals, and the rapid growth of Inter Miami CF, where he owns a significant stake.The 51-year-old football icon remains one of the most recognisable names in world sport even years after retirement. His business empire has expanded strongly through fashion, sponsorships, media projects, and football investments. The Sunday Times Rich List also showed major changes among Britain’s sporting elite, with several athletes and sports executives seeing their fortunes grow. Meanwhile, Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe suffered a major drop in wealth after financial struggles linked to his chemicals company Ineos.David Beckham’s billionaire status highlights the growing commercial power of modern athletes. During his football career, he played for top clubs including Manchester United, Real Madrid CF, LA Galaxy, AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain F.C.. His popularity helped him become one of the most marketable athletes in history.A major part of Beckham’s recent financial growth has come from Inter Miami. The MLS club has grown rapidly in value and is now estimated to be worth around $1.45 billion, making it the most valuable team in Major League Soccer. Commercial partnerships and sponsorship agreements have also added heavily to Beckham’s wealth over the years. Victoria Beckham has been a strong pillar of support for husband David Beckham while she manages her fashion and beauty brand along with media work. The Sunday Times rankings placed Beckham second among Britain’s richest sporting figures, behind only Bernie Ecclestone and his family, who lead the list with a fortune of £2 billion. Ecclestone built his wealth by transforming Formula One into a worldwide television and commercial giant.The list also featured several other sporting stars. Anthony Joshua ranked among the wealthiest active athletes with a reported fortune of £240 million. Tyson Fury followed with £162 million, while Lewis Hamilton reached £435 million. Golfer Rory McIlroy also climbed the standings after major recent success, with an estimated wealth of £325 million.In contrast, Ratcliffe’s fortune reportedly dropped sharply over the past year. His total wealth fell to £15.194 billion after difficulties linked to Ineos, including falling revenues, rising debt, and heavy financial losses.